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. (330) 643-8472Akron, Ohio, September 6, 2018 – Akron, Ohio, September 6, 2018 – Local agencies have partnered to offer help to homeowners who are behind on their property taxes. Summit County residents are invited to attend a free delinquent property tax clinic on Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Veterans Service Commission of Summit County, 1060 E. Waterloo Rd., Akron, Ohio 44306.

The clinic will be hosted by the Summit County Fiscal Office, Fair Housing Contact Service, Inc., Mustard Seed Development Center, Community Legal Aid, and the Akron Financial Empowerment Center. Representatives from each agency will be available to meet individually with property owners. This is an opportunity to discuss options that can help relieve the pressure of delinquent debt.

Property owners who attend the clinic can enroll in a county payment program to avoid further late penalties and charges. The Summit County Fiscal Office offers several programs to assist with the payment of property taxes, including the Real Estate Discount Program, Tax Installment Plan, and Delinquent Tax Payment Plan.

“We look forward to helping homeowners find a payment plan that will work for them. The Fiscal Office can provide assistance at every stage of the payment process,” said Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE. “If you have delinquent property taxes, or feel that you may become delinquent, I encourage you to visit us during the tax clinic. We’re here to help.”

Additionally, property owners who attend the clinic can receive counseling or support services and have their legal questions answered by an attorney. Fair Housing Contact Services and Mustard Seed Community Development Center are dedicated to assisting residents with finding equal housing opportunities and gaining financial empowerment. The Akron Financial Empowerment Center will work with homeowners to achieve their financial and personal goals through coaching and skill development. Community Legal Aid is devoted to providing free, high quality civil legal services to those in need.

"Our attorneys will be on-site, ready to help answer questions and offer counsel and advice. Our goal is to help people get on repayment plans so that they can save their homes,” said John Petit, Managing Attorney for Legal Aid’s Housing Team.

"This roadshow is a great way to reach those who need help the most. It's one-stop shopping, where you can get your housing questions answered, speak with an attorney, and find real solutions to your tax debt,” said Steve McGarrity, Executive Director of Community Legal Aid. “We're excited to be partnering with the Fiscal Office on this, because it's a safe and easy way for our residents to solve this problem."

This is the second delinquent tax clinic that the agencies have hosted this year. The first clinic took place on March 8, 2018 at the Odom Boulevard Branch Library and resulted in more than 150 homeowners receiving help with their delinquent tax debt.